51AVÊÓƵ

Following the local Scottish inter-district leagues over the winter, the six highest-placed handlers have qualified for the final.   

The Scottish Association of Young Farmers' Clubs (SAYFC) agri and rural affairs partnership manager, Jenny Murtagh, says: "We are extremely grateful to the inter-district leagues who generously allowed our members to compete at their trials. Their help hosting the handlers allows all members across Scotland the opportunity to compete in qualifiers and gain experience against experienced handlers." 

The class will be split into two sections, the intermediate handler not to have won any International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS) points, and the Pro Handler class for handlers who have. 

"This year we are delighted to be joined by the ISDS Vice Chair, Jimmy Ogston as the judge.  We are also extremely grateful to our sponsors, Gilbertson and Page, ISDS and Logan Whistles, without whom we would be unable to hold the event," adds Jenny. 

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Competitor focus: Ewan Runciman

Ewan Runciman, 28, hails from Lauder in the Scottish Borders. After studying agriculture for three years at SRUC in Edinburgh, Ewan embarked on a seven-month journey to New Zealand before returning home to continue the family tradition.

Family farm

Farming in partnership with his mother Heather, father Dougie, and brother Angus, Mr Runciman manages 1,012 hectares (2,500 acres) of owned, rented, and contract-farmed land. 

At Huntington Farm, they run 1,900 Texel and Beltex cross breeding ewes and 700 hoggs as home-bred replacements.

The majority of the lambs are sold fat through the local St Boswells market, while replacement females are retained.

They also run a beef herd of 200 Aberdeen-Angus and Simmental cross cows with progeny kept for breeding or sold as stores.  

Around 405ha (1,000 acres) are dedicated to growing cereals, including spring barley and winter oats. Angus also operates a contracting business on the side. 

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Working with dogs

Mr Runciman has been keen on working with dogs from a young age and his affinity for working dogs stems from his grandfather and well-known handler, Dave Armstrong. 

Mr Runciman's journey with dogs began with an older bitch, Phyllis. Later he was inspired by his time in New Zealand, when he brought home a Huntaway dog and a Heading bitch to the home farm.

His team of dogs have been instrumental in improving the farm efficiency. He says good dogs save so much time moving and handling sheep and make it more manageable. 

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For Mr Runciman, the relationship between handler and dog is important. He says: "There is nothing better than seeing them put their training to work.

"They can give you headaches when things go wrong, but watching young pups develop into skilled adults is incredibly rewarding. Each dog requires a unique approach to training, which keeps the challenge exciting." 

His dedication has seen him win the Borders Nursery League Novice section three times, and he is now preparing to compete in several local open trials.

"In the future I would like to train and run a dog capable of winning the Borders Nursery League. Ultimately, I hope to build a line of dogs that work hard at home and perform well in competitions." 

Mentorship

Mentorship has been crucial to his progress, and he credits Andrew Dickman for his invaluable guidance, not only improving his dogs' performance but also his own handling skills.

He says: "Judges and other competitors at nursery trials have also offered pointers that help me understand the scoring and improve."  

Looking ahead, Huntington 51AVÊÓƵwill play host to the 2026 World Dog Trial this September, an exciting event that Mr Runciman and his family are proud to organise.

"We hope it will be a great success for everyone involved and a highlight for the Borders' sheepdog community."